//Stupidity is the order of the day. Enjoy!
Put public's interests first in transport fare review: WP
Posted: 09 December 2012 1621 hrs
SINGAPORE: The Workers' Party (WP) has urged the government and public transport operators to put the interests of the public first before shareholders' interests.
It said that with Singapore facing a slowing economy, coupled with inflation, any hike in bus fares will only add to the hardship of many middle- and low-income Singaporeans.
It also asked the government to fund more generous public transport concessions for senior citizens and introduce fare concessions for people with disabilities.
The party said this in a statement on Sunday, in response to a signal from Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew on December 6 that bus fares may be increased to improve the pay of bus drivers in Singapore.
WP said it is unfortunate that Mr Lui made this suggestion so soon after the SMRT bus drivers' strike over pay and living conditions on November 26 and 27.
It said any decisions on fare increases should be made only after a period of review and adequate debate.
The party said it recognises that bus drivers need to be paid more and that bus companies need to attract more Singaporeans.
However, it said, the government should not assume nor suggest that this cost increase must automatically be borne by commuters.
WP pointed out that the two public transport operators remain very profitable.
It added that commuters should not be expected to pay higher fares, especially when service standards remain unsatisfactory.
- CNA/xq
Put public's interests first in transport fare review: WP
Posted: 09 December 2012 1621 hrs
SINGAPORE: The Workers' Party (WP) has urged the government and public transport operators to put the interests of the public first before shareholders' interests.
It said that with Singapore facing a slowing economy, coupled with inflation, any hike in bus fares will only add to the hardship of many middle- and low-income Singaporeans.
It also asked the government to fund more generous public transport concessions for senior citizens and introduce fare concessions for people with disabilities.
The party said this in a statement on Sunday, in response to a signal from Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew on December 6 that bus fares may be increased to improve the pay of bus drivers in Singapore.
WP said it is unfortunate that Mr Lui made this suggestion so soon after the SMRT bus drivers' strike over pay and living conditions on November 26 and 27.
It said any decisions on fare increases should be made only after a period of review and adequate debate.
The party said it recognises that bus drivers need to be paid more and that bus companies need to attract more Singaporeans.
However, it said, the government should not assume nor suggest that this cost increase must automatically be borne by commuters.
WP pointed out that the two public transport operators remain very profitable.
It added that commuters should not be expected to pay higher fares, especially when service standards remain unsatisfactory.
- CNA/xq
